By: Staff
Nelda releases ‘Between ‘Between Two Worlds,’ and it’s a classical masterpiece of heartfelt vocals and music. Instantly impressed with the first notes of this album and the track "Everything Is Scary," we knew this would be a tremendous performance. This London-based singer-songwriter and educator took a unique approach to this project. From the Spotify Bio, "Nelda carried out interviews with foreign songwriters and then afterwards co-wrote a song with each of them, basing the songs on the main themes discovered." We found this technique and approach absolutely brilliant.
Each song breathes the life and experiences of unique individuals. The world's culture is vast, and much is impressed upon us by our family, lifestyles, climate, and more. Nelda creates harmony and cultural blending by bringing these essences we all possess to life as music. The time and effort invested results in a captivating and beautiful listen.
As we delved deeper, we felt transported into a live jazz studio with the exhilarating track "Inbetween Two Worlds." How perfectly named, as these songs are born from the lives of two "co-existing" people from different worlds. The vocal performance is exemplary. Highs and lows with power and control spread throughout the room. The piano solo overlaying the drums is expertly played. This is an A-level group of performers.
"Heartache" explodes with guitars subtly beneath the earnest and emotional vocal declaration. The chorus is chillingly good, and the drum fills make this an absolute standout track. No tracks supersede one another, and this whole album could be a playlist on its own because each track has so much unique quality.
We got lost in the intro to "On These Streets." Its 30 seconds of piano bliss have a Billy Joel feel we've not heard since his smash hit “The Stranger”. Once again, Nelda enters the track and continues to impress. "Not a Stranger" brings the guitar to the forefront with a big intro, and Nelda shows an incredible ability to transform. This had a bigger Broadway feel with a slight R&B touch that made us swoon. Such a beautiful mix on this one. The whole band is showcased perfectly.
"No Place Like Home" comes last with a conga-esque beat and beautifully layered horns. Words can't describe the quality of this, and I refuse to give you any more. It's a "now's the time" moment to go and stream this album. When you play ‘Between Two Worlds’ by Nelda, I guarantee you will playlist and share it because it's outstanding.
Wait, there's more!
We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist for:
“The Cage” Music Blog, to talk about music and learn more about them.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
When did you start making music?
I started writing songs as a child, around 10 years old!
Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?
I love the creation process, it brings me excitement! It's like going on an adventure but not knowing where you'll end up! And if I personally like the song that I created, it feels very rewarding.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
The theme of my concept album - voluntary displacement - appeared whilst writing morning pages. It is a writer’s technique, where you write down unedited thoughts the first thing in the morning. I realised that moving to another country and living in it has affected me in different ways and I wanted to know if other people like me have experienced similar things. So I started researching academic materials and did interviews with many foreign songwriters, where we discussed various themes of importance that arise as a result of voluntary displacement. After the discussions I co-wrote a song with each.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I recorded my album in a home studio and edited it myself but the mix and the masters was done by my partner Arturs, using analogue equipment. He studied audio technology at LCM.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
As the album has many co-writes, the most challenging part was the time management but otherwise it felt like the project developed very naturally and there was an amazing amount of enthusiasm and enjoyment poured into it.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
My concept album’s songs represent a journey of moving to another country and they are put in a specific order of the themes unfolding - ‘leaving home’, ‘old/new worlds merging’, ‘belonging’, ‘starting anew’, ‘looking’, ‘wishing’, ‘finding home’, ‘at peace’, ‘growth’, ‘togetherness’, ‘empowerment’ and ‘at home’.
It’s important to me to know if this transcends to the listener. It would be extra rewarding to know whether the attention to detail and the amount of research put into this project, far beyond just the songwriting and performing, is picked up by the listeners.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
The happiness that the writing of songs brings me - the ability of shaping the raw feelings into words and sounds, as well as raising to a challenge to structure it all in a song!
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc.?
For me the most stressful part is the promotion :) I personally would just move onto another project after the release date, as I enjoy the creation the most.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
I would reward the songwriters more, especially for the streaming of the songs.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
I already have enough material composed for another 2-3 albums. I look forward to starting the recording of these songs and am extremely excited to see what sound I will create next. I do not like to put myself in a certain box and I prefer to concentrate on the enjoyment and the playfulness of bringing the new material to life.
That is the true artistry for me, letting the explorative side to just flow.
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
I play piano and sing and I love both equally.
Where do you currently reside and what is the live music venue scene like there?
I currently reside in London.
For not well-known artists the London live music venue scene is difficult.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
Thankfully I have never felt this with the creating of the music but in regards to supporting this passion of mine with almost only my own money and financially not getting almost anything back in return has made me think how long I’ll be able to do this? Luckily I love teaching music and that gives me the emotional strength as well as the finances to keep going.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Not to waste time worrying about unnecessary things! I used to be very cautious of any music that I created but now I’ve learnt to simply enjoy the creative process without too much judgement.
How do you feel about social media?
I think it helps to connect and communicate with people that you personally wouldn’t meet in real life but also one must be extra careful, as there are some, who use the social media to hurt others.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
Any I would be invited to! I’d talk about the voluntary displacement!
Taylor Swift has many breakup-based songs.
How do you feel about writing one based on an ex?
Why not!
We have experienced that many people perform acts of selflessness each day. Once your artistry has reached far and wide, how will you use that more powerful voice to have a bigger positive impact on our world?
I would use it try and achieve a wider support and acceptance of those, who decide to live in a different country. Also the mental health awareness, as in addition to such positive things as starting a new, growth and the expanding of knowledge there are also more challenging themes like belonging, homesickness and fear of not being accepted that need addressing.
What is the most inspirational thing a fan, or anyone, has told or shown you about your music?
How the emotions that I’ve put into my songs have transcended and made a listener feel them extremely deeply.
End Interview
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Nelda on Spotify & YouTube.
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